Chapter 4: Twitter as a Professional Development Platform Among U.S. Physical Education Teachers

Academic Article

Abstract

  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how U.S. physical educators who actively engage with professional content on Twitter view it as a platform for continuing professional development. Method: Thirty-two U.S.-based physical educators participated in semistructured telephone interviews. Most of these teachers were White (n = 29; 91.00%) and taught in elementary schools (n = 26; 81.25%). The data were coded inductively and deductively, using role socialization theory as the guiding framework. Results: Four themes were generated: (a) socialization into Twitter takes time and is often encouraged by existing members; (b) socialization through Twitter focuses on improving practices via the sharing of resources; (c) everyone has a voice on Twitter, but the content requires critical appraisal; and (d) teachers create a community on Twitter that addresses marginalization and isolation. Discussion/Conclusion: The participants used Twitter to develop a sense of professional community and reduce perceptions of isolation. Twitter has the potential to support the improvement of practice through grassroots continuing professional development.
  • Authors

  • R. Richards, K Andrew
  • Killian, Chad
  • Kinder, Christopher J
  • Badshah, Kaizeen
  • Cushing, Casey
  • Status

    Publication Date

  • October 1, 2020
  • Has Subject Area

    Digital Object Identifier (doi)

    Start Page

  • 454
  • End Page

  • 463
  • Volume

  • 39
  • Issue

  • 4